EXCLUSIVE FASHION SHOOT WITH PHILIPPE DUBUC

Posted on August 30th, 2011 by .

I’ve been a fan of Montreal fashion designer Philippe Dubuc since I moved to this city over a decade ago. So when presented with the exclusive opportunity to hang out behind the scenes of his photo shoot for Philippe Dubuc for Icône at Simons, how could I say “non”?

Many a dandy dresser across Canada knows – and loves – Philippe Dubuc for his avant-garde men’s wear collection, which he sells at his eponymous boutique on St-Denis and online. (There’s a second location in Quebec City’s hip St-Roch neighbourhood.)

Dubuc’s women’s line, however, is a joint collaboration with Simons department store – whose green logo-ed storefront you must have seen on Montreal’s main shopping drag, rue St-Catherine. Now in its third instalment, Philippe Dubuc for Icône is a mainly black, 14-piece, capsule collection with subtle touches of earthy brown and “peachy beige taupe.”

The quintessential Philippe Dubuc photo campaign was set in a beat-up, abandoned space in the Plateau neighbourhood, lending a raw, ethereal background to showcase Dubuc’s willowy silk and jersey tops with symmetrical piping, airy tunic/dresses, long bold blazers, ultra suede pants, fitted shifts with geometric detailing and updated versions of the classic tank. I felt fortunate to get an advanced preview, and I assure you I will be first in line when it debuts next month.

One final shopping tip: Philippe Dubuc for Icône is a limited edition collection. Certain sizes get scooped up fast. Get there early before it’s too late.